Because alcohol was being poured, people lingered, and by the time Jane took a second break to stretch her legs, she had concluded it was a full-on book launch party. She would need to have a word with Mia about that. Then again, she had given Mia full control. Jane hadn’t had to lift a finger, as promised. All she’d had to do was sign a few books. Jane wondered if Mia had spoken about her plans with Annie behind her back, and whether Annie had deliberately kept things from her. But it didn’t really matter. She gave her shoulder a tension-releasing roll while Amber, Lou’s boss at the yoga studio she worked at, ambled up to her.

“I know a good exercise for releasing tension from the very spot that’s killing you right now,” she said.

Jane looked at her. “Please, show me.”

“Well, maybe after that queue at the table has gone. Unless you want to give your fans a little extra by getting down on all fours in front of them.”

Jane eyed the short line that had formed again. “I’d best get to it then. Please, don’t leave before you’ve shared your much-needed knowledge.”

Amber put a hand over her heart. “You have my word.”

Jane sat behind the table again and launched into the last stretch of her signing performance of the night—she would run out of books soon enough. She had ordered the usual amount for the shop, which had never sold out before. Maybe Mia truly was a marketing genius, because Jane was about to break a paperback sales record tonight. And the book had only just come out. She only hoped she’d have enough for the people still lining up. She had a couple more copies upstairs. She could always run up and get those.

“Looks like I’ve caught the last one,” a woman said.

Oh shit, Jane thought and, in her worry about getting more books, didn’t recognize the voice. She looked around for Annie, who was working the till. She’d run up and get the extra copies herself, unless this woman was in fact the last person in line.

Jane looked up and stared straight into Beth’s face. Christ. She was happy to be sitting down. Was Annie looking over? If Beth actually bought the book she was holding, she would need to pass by Annie either way. And the evening had been going so well.

“Any chance of an autograph?” Beth planted her hands on the table.

“You can’t be here.” Jane tried to keep her voice calm.

“Really? Since when have my movements become restricted? I wasn’t aware you could tell me where I can and can’t be.” She leaned over the table, smiling.

“I’m sorry. You’re putting me in a very difficult position. I don’t mean to be rude.”